What Does โKeep at sthโ Mean?
โKeep at sthโ means to continue working hard or persistently on something, especially when it is difficult.
Introduction
The phrase โkeep at sthโ is a common phrasal verb in English that means to persist or continue doing something despite challenges. It encourages staying focused and not giving up on a task or goal. Understanding the keep at sth meaning helps learners express determination and perseverance in various situations. This phrase is useful in both formal and informal contexts, making it an important part of everyday English. Whether you are learning a new skill, working on a project, or trying to improve in a hobby, knowing how to use โkeep at sthโ correctly adds clarity and motivation to your communication.
Quick Info Box
- Phrasal verb: keep at something (keep at sth)
- Type: transitive
- Level: B1 (Intermediate)
- Short meaning: to continue working hard on something
Structure (Grammar Rules)
โKeep at sthโ is an inseparable phrasal verb, meaning you cannot separate the verb and the preposition with the object. The structure is:
- Keep at + noun/gerund
- Examples: keep at the task, keep at working
You cannot say โkeep the task atโ or โkeep working atโ with the object in between.
How to Use โKeep at sthโ?
Use โkeep at sthโ when you want to express persistence or continuing effort on a specific activity or task. It highlights determination despite difficulties or slow progress. It often appears in conversations about learning, work, hobbies, or any ongoing challenge.
Examples
Here are some natural examples that show how to use โkeep at sthโ in a sentence:
- Even though the project was hard, she decided to keep at it until it was done.
- If you keep at your English practice every day, you will improve quickly.
- He kept at the piano lessons, and now he plays beautifully.
- Donโt give up; keep at your exercises to get stronger.
- They kept at the problem until they found a solution.
Common Mistakes
Many learners confuse the word order or use the wrong preposition. Here are some incorrect and correct examples:
- Incorrect: Keep the task at until you finish.
- Correct: Keep at the task until you finish.
- Incorrect: You should keep working at it.
- Correct: You should keep at it.
Remember, โkeep atโ is followed directly by the object without separating the verb and preposition.
Differences / Synonyms
โKeep at sthโ is similar to other phrasal verbs like โstick at sthโ and โcarry on with sth.โ However, there are subtle differences:
- Keep at sth: Focuses on continuous effort, especially when something is challenging.
- Stick at sth: Emphasizes persistence and not giving up.
- Carry on with sth: Means to continue, often without the idea of difficulty.
For example, โkeep at your studiesโ suggests working hard despite challenges, while โcarry on with your studiesโ means simply continuing them.
Common Collocations
โKeep atโ is often used with words related to tasks, efforts, or activities. Common collocations include:
- Keep at the task: Continue working on a specific job.
- Keep at the problem: Persist with solving a difficulty.
- Keep at your work: Continue your job or studies.
- Keep at practicing: Continue practicing a skill.
- Keep at learning: Persist in gaining knowledge.
Related Phrasal Verbs
Here are related phrasal verbs of keep at sth:
Real-life Dialogue
Here is a short conversation using โkeep at sthโ:
Anna: Iโm struggling to learn French. It feels too hard sometimes.
Ben: Donโt worry. Just keep at it, and youโll get better every day.
Anna: I will. Thanks for the encouragement!
Practice
Complete the sentence with the correct form of โkeep atโ:
- If you want to improve your writing skills, you need to _______ it every day.
- She didnโt give up; she _______ the difficult project until it was finished.
Answers: keep at, kept at
FAQs
- What does โkeep at sthโ mean?
It means to continue working hard and persist with something.
- Is โkeep at sthโ separable?
No, โkeep at sthโ is an inseparable phrasal verb.
- Can I use โkeep atโ with verbs?
Yes, usually with gerunds, like โkeep at practicing.โ
- What is the difference between โkeep atโ and โstick atโ?
โKeep atโ emphasizes continuous effort, while โstick atโ focuses on not giving up.
- How do I use โkeep at sthโ in a sentence?
Use it to show persistence, like โHe kept at his studies despite difficulties.โ
